Is Academic Success Necessary for a Successful Life?: The Dilemma of a Student
Being a student is a pivotal stage in life. It’s a gateway that ushers one into the world of work, or as I prefer to call it, “the real world”. Hence, a lot of questions and doubts, on the part of students, are associated with this stage.
Esteemed guest speakers have been invited to address some of these questions and one of these questions would be addressed in this article.
Introducing our esteemed guest speakers:
- Angela Ankoma is a certified English language teacher and detail-oriented proofreader, entrepreneur, and writer/content creator.
- Minniehaha Bulley an administrative assistant, interviewer, volunteer, market researcher, UN and SDGs advocate, and most importantly, a passionate writer.
- Bright Amo is an exceptional Level 400 student at the University of Cape Coast, studying for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He is an entrepreneur who has skillfully balanced his business ventures with his studies.
QUESTION: Is academic success necessary for a successful life? Is ‘networking and our connections’ not enough?
Bright Amo:
“School provides a lens to view the modern world, and the world has been structured to favor those who have received education. Ultimately, the knowledge you acquire is what you’ll utilize in the opportunities your network presents you. To achieve success, consider your network as the catapult and your academic knowledge as the stone. However, it’s important to note that unmerited favors based on one’s networking and connections are effective only in this part of our world. In the Western world, systems tend to be more transparent and merit-based”.
Minniehaha Bulley:
“In school, connecting with peers can enhance your understanding of classroom teachings and contribute to a well-rounded campus life. In sum total, you need both, and the journey starts within the walls of the school. Relying solely on networking and connections without skill, knowledge, academic excellence or personal development, is like putting a square peg in a round hole. You need the knowledge and academic success in order to meet the expectations that arise when opportunities are presented through your network. More so, academic excellence is the first step followed by networking.”
Angela Ankoma:
“All individuals need a circle. Hence, Networking is very important. As students, we need to understand that the academic achievements and effective networking are equally important if we want to succeed.”
Be a Well-Balanced Student…
Education sharpens our outlook and readies us for our careers. We all find our paths at different educational stages, from primary school to university and beyond. Bill Gates found his path in the university, which is why he didn’t continue. So, stop comparing yourself to him. Discover your own path and stick to it until you reach your goal.
We are quick to cite examples of great people today, who we say didn’t go to school or weren’t brainiacs. But do we fully understand their stories or do we just focus on certain parts?
In a nutshell, our speakers all point to the fact that to have a successful life, a balance between your academic life and your networking skills is required.
But keeping the balance is easier said than done, don’t you think so? There should be more to this…
Share this till it gets to someone who needs it. You might never know.
What do you think the next question would be? ANTICIPATE!
#justtrusttheprocess
